Hello All,

Got a 98 A4 2.8 that needs a water pump, O2 sensor, and I think a tune up. Bought it about 3 years ago thinking I was getting a perfomance sedan with a bit of luxury. Turns out it been nothing but a headache. Ran the vin# with the only blemish was it had three prior owners (should of known it was lemon then). However the lines of car and the detail made it really stand out, so i figured how bad can it be. The first week I finally realized the tiptronic wasn't working and the shop that sold me the car kept stallin for repairs and i was leaving the state. About a year later the O2 sensor went (apparently there are a couple of these and you have to replace all of them to be sure you get the right one) at least thats what a well known audi dealership in lets say Nj by the hudson river says. Anyways, I've also changed the front brakes, tie rods, tires since then and i think i should have bought a new audi instead. Well, now apparrently the water pump is out and i have leak somewhere that i have to keep adding anti freeze to. Instead of paying for repairs i am thinking of leasing or buying a new A4. But, based on my past experience of audi's i am not sure how dependable audi's are. Anyone care to share? Also, if you like working on a4 2.8 (98) let me know and make me an offer. I have pretty much listed everything thats wrong so there is no surprises.

[:@]

 

You do realize that you only replaced parts that commonly fail on cars due to wear and tear right? If you buy a car and don't want to repair said things...well...don't drive it. There are always going to be expenses. I bought my a4 a month ago and i've invested like 5 grand into it so far. Granted it isn't all stuff that NEEDS to be replaced. I just did it for peace of mind and for less problems down the road.

 

it does suck to put a lot of money into maintenance, even though you know it needs done. it would be much funner to mod it out.

i just spend $450 on tires, need new brakes, timing belt and engine mount. it's expensive, but it's a great car and i love it, so i'll spend the money on the maintenance. if not, i'd have an accord.

 

If i was you I would add up all the money you paid for your current car. Buying it, tires, repairs etc.

Then find out what it would cost to buy a new car. Break both up into monthly payments. Don't forget that even a new car will need breaks, tires, belts, etc. change on it over a period of years.

Compare the 2 numbers.

That should give you something real to use. Then you can objectivly value having a warrenty, paying interest, model differences. Hopefully that can give you something to work with.

What would really suck is if you just sold the car right before the water pump went out. Then the next person buys it, has to fix it then complains how unreliable Audi's are since something went out on them in the first week of ownership.